Garden Planner, Feb. 2

Feb. 1, 2013

Written by

Stephanie Bruner

Special to the Register

This week

ē When youíre pruning trees and shrubs to remove limbs damaged by ice and snow, donít just cut branches off in the middle. Follow the branch down to another main branch or stem, and cut it there. You donít want to leave stubs sticking out, as these will eventually decay and leave areas where bacteria and pests can gain entry to the rest of the plant.

ē Make a list of garden plants you want to get this season. Make sure you actually have a location for each plant before you order or buy it.

ē Get garden tools ready for another growing season. Itís not too early to get lawn mowers and tillers in for a tune-up, since that can take several weeks. You can also be sharpening blades and treating wooden handles with boiled linseed oil. (Dispose of oily cloths properly afterward ó if you leave them piled on work surfaces or floors in garage, potting shed or basement, they can spontaneously combust and start fires.)

This month

ē Donít forget that spring isnít here yet! On a warm day in February, it can be tempting to get out and start gardening. But weíre probably going to have more cold weather, so donít get too excited about removing mulch or plant debris thatís protecting the crowns of perennials.

ē And speaking of not getting ahead of yourself, itís still much too early to start tomato seedlings. But you can start gathering seed-starting supplies so youíll be ready to go by about eight weeks before the last frost date (usually in early May).